Everyone has a Number

One of the key concepts we have in EOS, is that we insist that everyone in the organization has a number. That number, for the leaders and everyone else, is on the scorecard. Everyone needs a number and it can be something as mundane as the receptionist having a number of saying three rings is bad and two rings is good. So that receptionist knows what good behavior is and everyone else knows what good behavior is for the reception area.

Once everyone in the organization has a number that is driving their behavior, there are eight distinct advantages to having these numbers, eight benefits. And I read this from the book 'Traction' that was written by Gina Wickman.

First of all, numbers cut through murky, subjective communication between manager and direct reports. For example: the manager says to a direct report of a manager of a certain department, "You need to improve the performance of your department. The output needs to be better, you need to improve." That has no number attached to it. But if you say, "We need you to produce at least 17 units per week from your department", that 17 becomes something specific. Both are on the same page and there is no murky communication. That's clear, clear, clear.

The second thing is numbers create accountability. Now both parties know exactly what success looks like and that drives behavior for people to be accountable and bring that number.

The third thing is that accountable people appreciate numbers. It's funny how it works. If you're the right person in the right seat, you love to know what good performance looks like. You want to hit that out of the park and exceed the number, let alone just meet the number. So really, for the right people, this is something they love.

The fourth thing is numbers create clarity and commitment. It's clear what we need to achieve and we can commit to it and go for it.

The fifth thing is numbers create competition. If I'm making my numbers and my competition is not making their numbers, there's something happening. And if they start hitting their numbers out of the park, then I want to hit my numbers out of the park too, so that competition is there and it's always driving the behavior in the direction we want it.

Number six: numbers produce results. It's really important to have good results and when you have the numbers, we know when we have reached those numbers and what the results look like.

Number seven: numbers create teamwork. If we as a team know we have to produce 17 units in the coming week or coming period, then we will all work together. We'll stop our other behaviors that will get in the way of our successful production of these 17 units and we'll work together to get there. So the teamwork will be enhanced.

The last thing is, number eight, you solve problems faster. By being focused on the numbers, by being focused on the direction we need to take, problems get in the way, you solve them quicker, people want to get the problem solved so that we make our numbers.

There you have it, eight benefits of everyone having a number. So, remember, 'Everyone has a Number', a key concept in EOS.

If you want to know more about this, if this is of any interest, let me know and I'll do a complimentary 90 minute meeting with yourself and your leadership team about what EOS can bring you. There's no obligation or it's the equivalent of reading the book 'Traction'. The only thing is, you'll get the Hollywood version with someone that looks somewhat like Tom Hanks, but just a little uglier. That's me presenting this all to you and your leadership team in only 90 minutes.

There you have it. Let me know if you're interested and have a great week.